More than half of UK fleets operating used cars and vans

LATEST insight from Arval suggests brokers have an opportunity to convert fleets from used vehicles to new and a potential interest in used leasing.

The 2025 Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer found that more than half of UK fleets (52%) are operating second hand cars and vans, and a further 27% believe they will do so in the next three years.

John Peters, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “Our experience is that new car and van shortages during the recession caused more companies to look at used vehicle options and many have found it works for them as part of their operating fleet mix.

“This trend is something largely made possible by the high quality and resistance to wear of modern vehicle designs. Cars and vans today remain safe, financially viable to operate, and in good condition for much longer than in the past.”

Used a better fit for small companies

For Arval, Ipsos surveyed 8,061 company decision makers across 28 countries – 300 interviews took place in the UK.

Smaller companies (1-99 employees) are more likely to adopt second hand cars and vans, with 54% already using them and 29% planning future implementation, compared to medium sized companies (100-99) at 47% and 28%, and larger companies (1,000 employees-plus) at 53% and 19%.

John said: “Used vehicles tend to fit more easily into smaller business needs. If a large company wants to order 50 units of the same model at a year old, it’s unlikely the used market will be able to meet their needs but, if a small company requires three units, it’s quite likely they can find what they want.”

He added that more fleets in the UK were currently buying used vehicles compared to a European average and global average of 39%

“Again, this might be an effect of pandemic production shortages, when availability of right-hand drive vehicles tended to be worse globally, meaning those markets had to take a more improvisational approach to car and van acquisition.”